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November 23, 2009: The Chicago Cubs have named marketing executive Wally Hayward to the newly created position of evp and chief sales and CMO. Hayward will report to team president Crane Kenney.

Hayward, a native of Chicago, will not have to relocate far for the new position. He previously was a senior adviser for Chicago 2016, which had been working with the U.S. Olympic Committee to bring the 2016 Summer Games to Chicago. The bid ultimately went to Rio de Janeiro.

"Wally Hayward is widely respected throughout the industry as a dynamic leader and innovator," Kenney said in a statement. "He is a Chicagoan, he understands the fabric of our wonderful city and he has a keen appreciation for the passion and devotion of our fans given he is a lifelong Cubs fan himself. We have a talented sales and marketing staff in place and know Wally will lead this group to continued success as we look to redefine sports marketing for our business partners."

Prior to working with Chicago 2016, Hayward, 41, was the chairman and CEO for Relay Worldwide, Chicago, a sports marketing and sponsorship consulting firm he founded in 2001. His resume also includes Bcom3, Starcom MediaVest Group and Leo Burnett, and Lazin Sports Group working directly with the NFL Players Association.

The Ricketts Family acquired the Chicago Cubs in October for $845 million.

"As a lifelong Cubs fan, I'm proud to be a part of the Chicago Cubs family under the new ownership of the Ricketts family," Hayward said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to partnering with Tom and Crane to change the game for the Chicago Cubs on and off the field. By offering innovative ideas, we will create an exceptional experience for Cubs fans and our corporate partners."